Services

What do you do?    I provide design services and custom one-off fabrication for unique furnishings and related art objects for the home, workplace or public space. I work in collaboration with individuals, corporations, and other designers, architects and artists. I operate a complete furniture building studio equipped for fabrication in wood, metal, and other media. I enjoy working closely with clients to clarify their vision and bring it to reality. Join me "outside the box".

What are your qualifications?      I have over 35 years experience in design and building related trades, with formal education in art, industrial design, architecture, philosophy, and psychology. A variety of career paths have led to my current work and contributed valuable insights, finding expression in their culmination as a designer/builder. I am rabidly enthusiastic about my work and take pride in my ability to work with clients refining their vision and bringing their dreams to fruition.

 What style do you work in?        I am comfortable working in most genres, from traditional to the uniquely contemporary, and my works do not represent any particular recognized style.  If left to my own inclinations, my work could be seen as contemporary with Asian, Art-Deco, Art-Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Moderne influences. I avoid reproductions.

Where do you stand on environmental issues as they relate to your work?    I recognize the need to be kind to our environment and embrace the use of green materials and practices. While my client's desires are always foremost, the use of local sustainable materials utilizing eco-friendly techniques is strongly encouraged.

How much does it cost?     The inescapable fact is that custom work is not inexpensive. Prices for completed custom designs range from those comparable to higher-end manufactured pieces to the "if you have to ask you can't afford it" range. It is impossible to be more precise than this in general terms as every piece is different and presents it own set of challenges. An initial consultation with you to clarify your needs will give me the information I need to estimate a completed cost. Design time is currently being billed at $60 per hour and build studio time at $40-$80 per hour, depending on factors such as skills required, tooling needs, energy consumption, materials sourcing, etc. Material costs are volatile and shipping costs vary with fuel prices. It may be helpful to read this
 
How do I get started?        I'm always happy to meet new people and talk about their needs. Call me anytime or send me an email and I'll answer any questions you may have. If you are local, I'll meet with you in person. I don't charge for initial consultations.

Why buy Custom work?
Why do manufactured pieces cost less?..click the links and read the blogs, especially this one.

 
Is a custom design better?       The answer could fill a book, but to be brief, of course it is, if properly done. An item designed for mass production is made to appeal to the masses...the lowest common denominator. That person does not exist, it is a mathematical algorithm. It is not you or me. A custom design will be created for you alone by a designer with the insight and talent to make it suit your unique personality, taste, and functional requirements. It will satisfy in many subtle yet powerful ways and become an object of lasting pride and self-expression for generations to come.

Is hand-built better?   There are many practical and esthetic reasons why you should consider hand built furnishing over mass-produced items. I could write another book about this as it is a subject dear to me, but I'll try to be brief.

• Quality. Manufactured objects can seldom approach the build quality a skilled craftsman can produce. The best methods are just not practical to manufacturing methods.
• Personalization. A manufactured piece to suit your desires and needs is often not available. Something to match your vision, something to harmonize with your home or office, a particular material, style, finish, or function.
• Participation. Most people enjoy some participation in the design/build process. Getting to know who designed and built your piece, getting and giving feedback, and seeing your design take shape are all of considerable value.
• Environmental and social benefits. A finely hand crafted custom piece will endure to give pleasure for generations...while the cheap mass-produced item will soon end it's life in a landfill, to be replaced by another. Local buying, at the least to your continent if not closer, has innumerable social, economic and environmental benefits. A conscientious designer/builder will minimize the environmental impact of his or her work. Not so for most manufacturers.
• Satisfaction. Many bemoan the state of our modern world, for varied reasons. Buying custom is a way to counter some of the trends we see depersonalizing our lives, eroding our social structure, and degrading our environment. Do the right thing.

Practical Considerations

 What areas do you serve?        In a word, "the world". Design work, of course, is no problem. While local (west coast) built commissions are easily serviced, modern communications and transportation make anything possible. I have shipped large pieces to the corners of North America. World-wide shipping is also possible. Installations depend on the scope of the project.

Where are you?         My studio and workshop are located near Eugene, Oregon, USA.

How long will my project take?        Please understand that quality work takes time and time required varies with my backlog of orders and the scope of your project. Backlogs can be weeks or months. If you project is relatively small, I can often fit it in to the inevitable gaps in my schedule to complete it quickly. Ultimately, the question can best be answered by a quick phone call or email.